Dual alarm clock



July 6, 1965 c. D. STOUT 3,192,699

DUAL ALARM CLOCK Filed Dec. 5, 1963 I .2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIGZ FIG. 3

INVENTOR. CAROL D. STOUT BY Mi ATTORNEYS C. D. STOUT DUAL ALARM CLOCK July 6, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 5, 1963 ALARM UNIT INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,192,639 DUAL (1053K Carol D. Stout, 6 N 3121 Poplar, Wood Dale, ill. Filed Dec. 3, 1963, Ser. No. 327,689 15 tjlaims. (Cl. 5816.5)

The present invention relates in general to alarm clocks and more particularly to alarm control mechanisms of the so-called dual alarm type in which multiple sounding of a single alarm is possible. More particularly, the present invention relates to an alarm control mechanism which will provide for sounding of a single alarm at a plurality of individually preselected times which may be varied according to the wishes of the user and also provides a single shut-off control which will deactivate the alarm at each of the preselected times without disturbing the other settings thereof.

Alarm control mechanisms which provide for multiple soundings of an alarm have been provided in many forms in the prior art. Basically, these alarm mechanisms take the form of what is known as a snooze alarm and are designed to activate the alarm mechanism at a prescribed preselected time; deactivate the alarm for a short fixed period; and then reactivate it a second time until turned off manually. The theory behind such devices is that a change in noise level in the room will be more effective in arousing a sleeper than the continued sounding of the alarm over a period of time. Other mechanisms of this type provide for a sounding of the alarm which can only be deactivated by way of a shut-off control which must be manipulated by the sleeper. After the initial sounding has been stopped, the mechanism is designed to wait a short fixed period of time and reactivate the alarm requiring the sleeper to go through a second manipulation of the shut-off control which in some way differ from the first manner of deactivating the alarm. Thus, by requiring the sleeper to deactivate the alarm on two separate occasions through two completely different manipulations of a shutoff control, it is presumed that the sleeper will be fully aroused.

A common characteristic of these so-called snooze alarm systems is the fact that the time of sounding of the second alarm is permanently fixed in relation to the first sounding by the mechanism and usually is set to occur quite soon after the first sounding. The reason for this is that these mechanisms have been designed specifically to arouse but a single sleeper at a single prescribed time. However, there has been a considerable need for an alarm control mechanism which is specifically designed to facilitate the arousing of at least two people at widely spaced times.

It is very common for both a husband and wife to worlz, and very often they are required to arise at different times. Sometimes, these times are very widely spaced so that one will be required to leave the house before the other is due to awaken. Under these circumstances, the first to leave is required to re-set the alarm clock so that the other will be certain to arouse at the proper time. This has caused many problems since very often the first person to leave the house will either forget to reset the alarm or will re-set it for an incorrect time. Additionally, this has become very inconvenient since it require re-se tting of the alarm at least twice in one day. As a result, if the first person to arise forgets to re-set the alarm to the proper time in the evening before going to bed, he will be late in getting up in the morning since the alarm will sound at the time set for the second party to arise.

Because of the above diificulties which have been experienced with regard to present-day alarm control systems, many people have found it necessary to employ the use of more than one alarm clock. In this way, a clock could be set for each person to get up in the morning with- 3,192,699 Patented July 6, 1965 out worrying about a re-setting of the clock each morning and each evening. This is,.h0wever, a very unnecessary expense since it entails the purchase of two complete clock systems where only one clock mechanism is of any use in a single room. In addition, this system has not completely eliminated error since it has been found that very often when the first alarm sounds in the morning, the person to be awakened being in a semi-conscious state will very often shut off the wrong alarm initially and then shut off his own alarm without resetting the first alarm clock. The second person to arise will then sleep past the time to awaken.

The present invention, therefore, fulfills a long-felt need for a single clock alarm control mechanism which can be set to sound at more than one prescribed time and which may be deactivated by a single shut-off control which will shut off or deactivate only that alarm which is sounding and will not disturb the second setting of the alarm.

The alarm control mechanism according to the instant invention provides a pair of alarm setting cams which may be individually set to effect sounding of the alarm at two widely scattered times within a twelve-hour period. Associated with each of these cams is a cam follower which directly controls activation of the alarm systems and associated with each cam follower is an alarm control slide by means of which the alarm control mechanism associated with each of the alarm control cams may be activated. In this way, if desired, only one rather than two of the alarms may be activated and this alarm may be either one of those provided.

Rather than use the alarm control slide to deactivate the alarm mechanism as is done with all the prior art alarm systems, the alarm control system according to the instant invention provides a universal shut-oif control which is located on a convenient portion of the clock casing removed from the alarm control slides and which is designed to deactivate either or both of the alarms which are set, but may do this only at the specific time that the alarm to be deactivated is sounding. In this way, when both alarms are set to be activated and one of the alarms is sounded, the universal shut-off control will deactivate this alarm without disturbing the setting for the second sound ing of the alarm.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alarm control mechanism which is capable of sounding a single alarm at preselected diverse times.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an alarm control mechanism which will provide for the sounding of a single alarm at preselected diverse times and which provides a single mechanism for deactivating this alarm at each sounding thereof without disturbing the other settings of the mechanism.

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide an alarm control mechanism of the type described which is compatible with all present-day clock mechanisms and which may be easily and quickly incorporated into these clock mechanisms without material reconstruction thereof.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an alarm control mechanism of the type described which may be used with either electrical or mechanical clock mechanisms.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an alarm control mechanism which provides for the sounding of a single alarm at preselected diverse times and which provides separate activation controls for each alarm mechanism, but only a single universal shut-oil control for both alarm mechanisms.

Further objects and features of my invention will best be understood and appreciated from a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, selected for purposes of illustration, and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a clock incorporating the features of the instant invention;

FIGURE 2 is a rear sectional view with the back panel of the clock removed illustrating the mechanism of the instant invention;

FIGURE 3 is a section view taken along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a section view taken along lines 44 of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURES 5 and 6 are perspective views illustrating a portion of the operating mechanism according to the instant invention in the operative and inoperative positions.

The clock generally illustrated in FIGURE 1 into which the specific alarm control mechanism illustrated in FIG- URES 2 through 6 is to be incorporated may be either of the electrical or mechanical type and the actual clock mechanism may be of any desired configuration since the alarm mechanism according to the instant invention has the advantage of being able to cooperate with any clock structure which provides a driving means for the control cams capable of rotating the cams through one revolution every twelve hours.

The clock generally illustrated in FIGURE 1 has a casing 1 in which is supported the clock mechanism and the alarm control mechanism. The clock contains a standard time dial upon which is inscribed the standard indicia and is also provided with a pair of alarm-setting dials 3 and 4 which indicate the alarm settings provided by the alarm control mechanism. Mounted on the top portion of the casing 1 is a universal alarm shut-off control 2 which extends through the casing and cooperates with the alarm control mechanism on the inside thereof. It should be quite apparent that although the clock illustrated in FIGURE 1 is shown as having a generally rectangular casing 1, the particular shape of the casing forms no part of the instant invention and may take on any configuration which will permit both a clock mechanism and the alarm control mechanism according to the instant invention to be incorporated therein. In addition, the alarm-setting dials 3 and 4, if desired, may be located on the rear panel of the clock rather than the front without loss of advantage.

Looking more specifically to FIGURES 2, 3 and 4 which illustrate the alarm control mechanism according to the instant invention, an hour wheel 10 is driven from a standard clock mechanism 11 (illustrated in phantom line in FIGURE 3) and preferably is driven from the hour-sleeve of the drive mechanism which drives the hour hand of the clock so that the hour wheel 10 rotates in a clockwise direction through one revolution each twelve hours. The hour wheel 10 meshes with a drive wheel 12 which in turn drives the alarm wheel 13, secured to an arbor along with alarm cam 14. The alarm set arbor 15 extends from the back of the clock casing through the alarm cam 14 and alarm wheel 13 to the front alarm dial 4 on the face of the clock and has an indicator secured to the end thereof, adjacent the alarm dial 4, which is calibrated to the position of the alarm cam 14 so as to 7 indicate the time set by the alarm cam. Since the wheels 10, 12, and 13 are all of the same diameter, the cam 14 will be driven through one revolution in a twelve-hour period as is the hour wheel 10.

The hour wheel 10 also engages with a reversing wheel 16 which transmits motion to drive wheel 17 which in turn drives alarm wheel 18, thereby effecting rotation of alarm cam 19. The alarm wheel 18 and the cam 19 are mounted on an alarm set arbor 21 which, like arbor 15, extends from the back of the clock casing through to the alarm-set dial 3 on the face of the clock. The pointer on the end of arbor 20 adjacent the alarm-set dial 3 is also calibrated to the position of the cam 19 so as to indicate the time at which the cam 19 will activate the alarm mechanism. Since wheels 10, 16, 17, and 18 are all of the same diameter, the cam 15 will be driven through one revolution in a twelve-hour period in the same manner 4 as cam 14 but in the opposite direction due to reversing wheel 16.

It should be understood that while a particular gearing arrangement is illustrated for driving the alarm wheels 13 and 18, any gearing arrangement could be provided without departing from the teachings of the instant invention as long as the cams 14 and 19 are rotated through one revolution in a twelve-hour period. It will also be come apparent from the following description that the particular direction which the cams 14 and 19 rotate is not of a special importance with regard to the instant invention so long as the follower mechanism associated with each cam is positioned to function properly with its associated cam rotating in the desired direction.

Associated with each of the alarm earns 14 and 19 is a cam follower 21 and 22, respectively, which is springloaded so as to be biased in continuous contact with the outer surface of the cams. Each of the earns 14 and 19 contain a notch 23 into which a projection 24 on the cam followers 21 and 22 will fit. As the cams rotate in the direction indicated in FIGURE 2, the projections 24 which are riding on the outside surface of the cam will eventually reach the notch 23 and slip into this notch causing the cam followers 21 and 22 to rotate toward the axis of the cams.

As may be understood, the relative position of the notches 23 in relation to the circumference of each cam determines the time at which the alarm mechanism will be activated since each cam is controlled by an alarm wheel whose position is directly related to the position of the hour wheel 10 which is representative of the time indicated by the clock mechanism. The alarm setting for each cam can thus be set by rotating the particular cam until the position of the notch on the cam as represented by the alarm-set dial associated with that cam corresponds to the desired time for the alarm to sound.

The cams 14 and 19 are mounted on their respective arbors 15 and 20 in such a manner that they may be manually rotated via the knob-ends on each arbor which protrude through the back of the clock without disturbing the clock mechanism which will once again pick up the turning thereof when the cam is set, This mounting is not specifically illustrated in the drawings since such an expedient is well known and may be performed by many configurations not a specific part of the instant invention.

The free end of each of the cam followers 21 and 22 is operatively associated with the alarm-sounding mechanism A which may be of any standard configuration and which may be either mechanical or electrical in operation. No specific alarm-sounding mechanism is illustrated in the drawings since the invention is not confined to any one particular configuration; however, as an example in the case of an electric clock, the free ends of the followers 21 and 22 may be operatively connected, respectively, to a pair of single throw switches connected in parallel which are in turn connected in series with a voltage source and an alarm-sounding relay so that movement of either earn follower in the direction of the axis of its associated cam will activate the alarm mechanism. Many other alarm-sounding configurations well known to the prior art may be adapted for use with the particular alann control mechanism without the exercise of invention and without departing from the teachings of the instant invention.

A pair of alarm control slides 25 and 26 associated with the cam followers 21 and 22, respectively, are provided to activate and deactivate the follower mechanisms at the will of the operator. As shown clearly in FIGURES 4, 5, and 6, the alarm control slides 25 and 26 are each provided with a cam surface 27 which is inclined outwardly from the cam follower. Engagement of the cam surface 27 on a respective control slide with the cam follower 21 or 22 will cause that cam follower to be rotated away from its associated cam so as to be disengaged from the surface of that cam. By pushing either alarm control slide inward, the associated cam follower 21 or 22 will ride upon the cam surface 27 and be forced out of engagement with the cam thereby completely deactivating the alarm control mechanism associated with that particular cam. When either alarm control slide is manually pulled outward, the cam follower will ride down on the cam surface 27 and once again engage the surface of the cam. The alarm mechanism for that particular cam is then activated. The entire operation of the alarm control mechanism depends solely upon the position of these alarm control slides and this will be made clearer as this description proceeds.

The casing 1 contains a pair of guide shafts 28 secured to the inner surface of the top panel thereof which extend downwardly toward the alarm control mechanism and universal bar 29 is mounted on the guide shafts 28 which extend through the universal bar and through a pair of brackets 30 which are secured to the universal bar. A compression spring 31 is mounted on each guide shaft 28 between the universal bar and a collar 32 which is secured to the shaft. The shut-off control handle 2 is secured to the universal bar through the casing 1 by means of a pair of supports 33 so that the universal bar may be pressed downwardly against the bias of the springs 31 which will return the universal bar to the static position upon release of pressure from the handle 2. The particular manner in which the universal bar is spring-loaded to the casing is not of critical importance and so the particular arrangement shown in the figures is presented as an example only.

Extending at right angles to the universal bar at each end thereof is an extension 34. An L-shaped shut-off slide is hinged to the free end of each of the extensions 34 and is biased for rotation about the hinge away from each of the cams 14 and 19 by a pair of springs 36.

As shown in FIGURE 3, each of the shut-off slides 35 contains a longitudinal slot 37 which accommodates a guide pin 38 fixed to a bracket 39 which is secured to,

the supporting structure of the clock. The bias of the springs 36 forces the shut-off slides 35 away from the cams 14 and 19 and into contact with a respective lug 40 which is carried by each of the cam followers 21 and 22. The position of a shut-off slide 35 is therefore determined by the position of a respective cam follower 21 or 22.

Each of the shut-01f slides carries a cam surface 41 which is capable of contacting a projection 42 carried by alarm control slides 25 and 26 when the shut-off slides are depressed by way of handle 2 and universal bar 29, as shown in FIGURE 5. Whether the cam surface 41 is capable of contacting the projection 42 depends upon the relative position of the shut-off slide and the alarm control slide which is determined by the position of the cam followers 21 and 22. The two possible positions of the shut-off slides 35 are illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 6 with regard to the mechanisms associated with the cam 19.

As shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, cam follower 21 has its projection 24 riding on the outer surface of the cam 14 and therefore, with the shut-off slide 35 biased against the lug 4!) carried by the cam follower 21, the cam surface 41 is positioned out beyond the projection 42 of alarm control slide 25. Under these conditions, the cam surface 41 cannot contact the projection 42. This condition is also illustrated in FIGURE 6 with regard to cam 19. In contrast, the cam follower 22 has its projection 24 inserted within notch 23 of cam 19 and therefore the shut-off slide 35 has been forced toward the cam 19 by the lug 40 placing the cam surface 41 on the shutoff slide 35 in operative position for contact with projection 42 on alarm control slide 26. This condition is also shown in FIGURE 5. As may be understood, it is of prime importance with regard to the objects of the invention that the cam surface 41 be in position to contact the projection 42 on an alarm control slide 25 or 26 only when the projection 24 on the associated cam follower 21 or 22 is located within the notch 23 on the respective alarm cam 14 or 19. The reason for this requirement will become apparent from the following description of the operation of the invention.

In operation of the instant invention, the two times at which it is desired that the alarm system be activated are set by rotation'of cams 14 and 19 by way of alarm set arbors 15 and 29 which extend beyond the rear casing of the clock. These arbors are rotated in the conventional manner until the desired time for activation of the alarm system is indicated on the alarm dials 3 and 4 on the face of the clock. Since the alarm cams 14 and 19 can be separately adjusted, it is apparent that the alarm system can be set for activation at two different times which may be separated by a period of as much as twelve hours. The alarm cams 14 and 19 will then be rotated by the clock mechanism via the gears through one rotation in twelve hours. Either one or both of the cam followers 21 and 22 may then be activated by pulling the alarm control slides 25 and/ or 26 outwardly so that the cam followers ride down the cam surfaces 27 into contact with the cams. The cams will rotate until the projection 24 on one of the followers drops into the notch 23 on its associated cam. FIGURE 5 shows cam follower 22 in this position. With the movement of cam follower 22 toward the cam 19, the alarm control system will be activated in a conventional manner thereby sounding the alarm. In order to deactivate this alarm, the aroused sleeper need then only apply a pressure downwardly on the alarm shut-off handle 2 forcing the universal bar 29 downwardly against the bias of the springs 31 and also forcing the shut-01f slides 35 in .a downward direction. Since the shut-off slide 35 which is associated with the cam 19 has been forced toward the cam 19 by the lug 4t) carried by the cam follower 22, the cam surface 41 carried by that shut-oif slide will contact the projection 42 on alarm control slide 26 forcing the alarm control slide inwardly and causing the cam follower 22 to ride up on the cam surface 27 of the slide thereby deactivating the alarm system.

During this operation, the shut-off slide 35 associated with cam 14 is also forced in a downward direction. However, since the shut-off slide has not been rotated toward the alarm cam 14 by the follower 21 which is still riding the outer surface of the cam, the cam surface 41 on that shut-0E slide will not contact projection 42 on alarm control slide 25 and therefore the setting COl'l-i trolled by alarm cam 14 will not be disturbed, when the pressure is released from the shut-off slide 35 associated with each of the cams 14 and 19 in an upward directlon.

The alarm earns 14 and 19 will continue to rotate un til the projection 24 on cam follower 21 drops into the notch 23 on the alarm cam 14. At thattime, the cam follower 21 will be moved toward the cam 14 and the alarm control system will once again be activated. The

alarm may then be deactivated by the second sleeper by applying downward pressure on the shut-off handle 2, thereby forcing the universal bar and shut-off slides in a downward direction once again. This time, since the shut-off slide 35 associated with the cam 14 has been moved toward the cam 14 by movement of the cam follower 21 into the notch 23, the cam surface 41 on that shut-off slide will contact projection 42 on alarm control slide 25 forcing it in an inward direction causing the cam follower 21 to ride upon the cam surface 27 of the alarm control slide 24 and thereby deactivating the alarm system.

Since the control slides 25 and 26 are not springloaded, they will remain in position until physically moved. Therefore, once a control slide is moved inward by a shut-off slide thereby deactivating the associated cam follower, that portion of the alarm control system will remain deactivated until manually activated once again.

It should, therefore, be quite apparent from the above description that the alarm control mechanism according to the instant invention provides for diverse individual control of the alarm mechanism permitting at least two distinct settings of the alarm which may be controlled by a single shut-off control. This system can be set to provide either one or two alarm soundings at widely spaced times or may be set to operate as a snooze alarm which will automatically ring a second time a short period after the first alarm is sounded.

While I have shown and described a specific embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same is not limited thereto, but is susceptible of many changes and modifications within the spirit and scope thereof, and we therefore do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein, but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism including first and second cams capable of being individually manually positioned in relation to the respective times at which the alarm is to be sounded, each of said cams having a notched portion indicating the time position thereof with regard to a standard position, follower means associated with each of said cams and capable of sounding said alarm mechanism in response to engagement with the notched portion of a respective cam, control means associated with each follower means capable of individually deactivating said respective follower means, shut-off means associated with each control means and controlled by a respective follower means for effecting operation of a respective control means to deactivate a respective follower means only when said follower means is efiective to activate said alarm mechanism, and means for simultaneously actuating the shutoff means associated with each control means.

2. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism including first and second cams capable of being individually manually positioned in relation to the respective times at which the alarm is to be sounded, each of said cams having a notched portion indicating the time position thereof with regard to a standard position, follower means associated with each of said cams and capable of sounding of said alarm mechanism in response to engagement with the notched portion of a respective cam, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with its associated cam, shut-off means associated with each control means and controlled by a respective follower means for effecting operation of a respective control slide means to move its associated follower means to an inoperative position only when said follower means is in position to activate said alarm mechanism, and means for simultaneously actuating the shut-elf means associated with each control slide means.

3. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times, comprising cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mecha nism including first and second cams capable of being individually manually positioned in relation to the respective times at which the alarm is to be sounded, each of said cams having a notched portion indicating the time position thereof with regard to a standard position, follower means associated with each of said cams and capable of sounding said alarm mechanism in response to engagement with the notched portion of a respective cam, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with its associated cam, shut-off means associated with each control slide means and controlled by a respective follower means as to position with respect to a respective control slide means, said shut-off means when in operative position with respect to said respective control slide means being capable of effecting operation of said control slide means to move its associated follower means to an inoperative position, said follower means being capable of moving its associated shut-off means into operative position with respect to a respective control slide means only when in engagement with the notch portion of its associated cam, and means for simultaneously actuating the shut-off means associated with each control slide means.

4. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times, comprising cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism including first and second cams capable of being individually manually positioned in relation to the respective times at which the alarm is to be sounded, each of said cams having a notched portion indicating the time position thereof with regard to a standard position, follower means associated with each of said cams and capable of sounding said alarm mechanism in response to engagement with the notched portion of a respective cam, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with its associated cam, including a cam surface capable of contacting a respective follower means and a shut-off projection, a shut-01f slide means associated with each control slide means having a cam surface capable of moving a respective control slide means through contact with said shut-off projection thereby moving said respective follower means to the inoperative position, means associated with each follower means for moving said respective shut-off slide means into operative position for contact with said respective control slide means only when said respective follower means engages the notched portion of a respective cam, and means for simultaneously actuating the shut-off means associated with each control slide means.

5. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising first and second cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism, first and second follower means biased into contact with said first and second cam means, re-' spectively, each of said cam means having a notched portion engageable by said respective follower means, said engagement of said follower means with the notched portion of a respective cam means causing said follower means to shift from a first operative position to a second operative position, means for sounding said alarm mechanism in response to movement of either follower means into said second operative position, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each said follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with said respective cam means including a cam surface capable of contacting said follower means and a shut-off projection, a shut-01f slide means associated with each control slide means having a cam surface capable of moving a respective control slide means through contact with said shut-off projection thereby moving said respective follower means to the inoperative position, means associated with each follower means for moving said respective shut-off slide means into operative position for contact with said respective control slide means only when said respective follower means moves to said second operative position and actuation means for simultaneously actuating each of said shut-off slide means so that if either follower means is in said second operative position that follower means will be moved to the inoperative position while leaving the other follower means in the first operative position.

6. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times, comprising cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism including first and second cams capable of being individually manually positioned in relation to the respective times at which the alarm is to be sounded, each of said cams having a notched portion indicating the time position thereof with regard to a standard position, follower means associated with each of said cams and capable of sounding said alarm mechanism in response to engagement with the notched portion of a respective cam, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with its associated cam, shut-off means associated with each control slide means and controlled by a respective follower means as to position with respect to a respective control slide means, said shut-off means when in operative position with respect to said respective control slide means being capable of effecting operation of said control slide means to move its associated follower means to an inoperative position, said follower means being capable of moving its associated shut-off means into operative position with respect to a respective control slide means only when in engagement with the notch portion of its associated cam, and means for simultaneously actuating the shut-off means associated with each control slide means, said actuating means including a universal bar which is spring loaded to the frame of said clock so as to maintain a static inoperative position in the absence of applied force.

'7. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times, comprising cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism including first and second cams capable of being ind-ividually manually positioned in relation to the respective times at which the alarm is to be sounded, each of said cams having a notched portion indicating the time position thereof with regard to a standard position, fol lower means associated with each of said cams and capable of sounding said alarm mechanism in response to engagement with the notched portion of a respective cam, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with its associated cam, including a cam surface capable of contacting a respective follower means and a shut-off projection, a shotoff slide means associated with each control slide means having a cam surface capable of moving a respective control slide means through contact with said shut-off proection thereby moving said respective follower means to the inoperative position, a lug associated with each follower'means, said shut-off slide means being spring biased into engagement with the lug on a respective follower means so th-at the position of said shut-off slide means is controlled by said associated followerlmeans permitting said shut-off slide means to move into operative position for contact with said control means only when said associated follower means engages the notched portion of its associated cam, and means for simultaneously actuating the shut-off means associated with each control slide means. 7

8. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times,

comprising cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism including first and second cams capable of being individually manually positioned in relation to the respective times at which the alarm is to be sounded, each of said cams having a notched portion indicating the time position thereof with regard to a standard position, follower means associated with each of said cams and capable of sounding said alarm mechanism in response to engagement with the notched portion of a respective cam, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each follow-er means to an inoperative position out of contact with its associated cam, shut-off means associatcd with each control slide means and controlled by a respective follower means as to position with respect to a respective control slide means, said shut-off means when in operative position with respect to said respective control slide means being capable of effecting operation of said control slide means to move its associated follower means to an inoperative position, said follower means being capable of moving its associated shut-off means into operative position with respect to a respective control slide means only when in engagement with the notch portion of its associated cam, and means for simultaneously actuating the shut-off means associated with each control slide means, said actuating means including a universal bar which is spring loaded to the frame of said clock so as to maintain a static inoperative position in the absence of applied force, said shut-off means being mova'bly secured to said universal bar in proximity to an associated control slide means and being biased against a lug carried by said respective follower means so that said .shut-off means can engage said associated control slide means only when said lug is moved due to engagement of said follower means with an associated notch portion on one of said cams.

9. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times, comprising cam means mounted for rotation by the hour drive of said clock mechanism including first and second cams capable of being individually manually positioned in relation to the respective times at which the alarm mechanism is to be sounded, follower means associated with each of said cams capable of detecting a predetermined respective position thereof and capable .of sounding said alarm in response thereto, control means associated with each follower means capable of individually deactivating said respective follower means, shut-off means associated with each control means and controlled by a respective follower means for effecting operation of a respective control means to deactivate a respective follower means only when said follower means is effective to activate said alarm mechanism, and means for simultaneously actuating the shutoff means associated with each control means, said actuating means including a universal bar which is spring loaded to the frame of said clock so as to maintain a static inoperative position in absence of applied force and said shut-off means being movably secured to said universal bar in proximity to an associated control means and being biased against a lug cartried by said respective follower means so that said shutoff means can engage said associated control means to deactivate a respective follower means only when said lug is moved due to detection by said follower means of said predetermined respective position.

143. An alarm control system'for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising first and second cam meansmounted for rotation by the hour-drive of said clock mechanism, first and second follower means biased into contact with said first and second cam means, respectively, each of said cam means having a notched portion en-gageable by said respect-ive follower means, said engagement of said follower means with the notched portion of a respective cam means causing said follower means to shift from area,

1 1 a first operative position to a second opera-tive position, means for sounding said alarm mechanism in response to movement of either follower means into said second operative position, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each said follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with said respective cam means including a cam surface capable of contacting said follower means and a shut-off projection, a shut-off slide means associated with each control slide means having a cam surface capable of moving a respective control slide means through contact with said shut-off projection thereby moving said respective fol-lower means to the inoperative position, means associated with each follower means for moving said respective shut-elf slide means into operative position for contact with said respective control slide means only when said respective follower means moves to said second operative position and actuation means for simultaneously actuating each of said shutoif slide means so that if either follower means is in said second operative position that follower means will be moved to the inoperative position while leaving the other follower means in the first operative position, said control slide means being also manually operable so that capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising first and second cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism, first and second follower means biased into contact with said first and second cam means, respectively, each of said cam means having a notched portion engageable by said respective follower means, said engagement of said follower means with the notched portion of a respective cam means causing said follower means to shift from a first operative position to a second operative position, means for sounding said alarm mechanism in response to movement of either follower means into said second operative position, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each said follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with said respective cam means including a cam surface capable of contacting said follower means and a shutoff projection, a shut-off slide means associated with each control slide means having a cam surface capable of moving a'respective control slide means through contact with said shut-off projection thereby moving said respective follower means to the inoperative position, a lug associated with each follower means, said shut-off slide means being spring biased into engagement with the lug on a respective follower means so that the position of said shut-off slide means is controlled by said associated follower means permitting said shut-01f slide means to move into operative position for contact with said control means only when said associated follower means moves to said second operative position and actuation means for simultaneously actuating each of said shutoff slide means so that if either follower means is in said second operative position that follower means will be moved to the inoperative position while leaving the other follower means in the first operative position.

12. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising first and second cam means mounted for rotation by said clock mechanism, first and second follower means biased into contact with said first and second cam means, respectively, each of said cam means having a notched portion engageble by said respective follower means, said engagement of said follower means with the notched portion of a respective cam means causing said follower means to shift from a first operative position to a second operative position, means for sounding said alarm mechanism in response to movement of either follower means into said second operative position, control slide means associated with each follower means capable of individually moving each said follower means to an inoperative position out of contact with said respective cam means including a cam surface capable of contacting said follower means and a shut-off projection, a shut-off slide means associated with each control slide means having a cam surface capable of moving a respective control slide means through contact with said shut-off projection thereby moving said respective follower means to the inoperative position, a lug associated with each follower means, said shut-off slide means being spring biased into engagement with the lug on a respective follower means so that the position of said shut-off slide means is controlled by said associated follower means permitting said shut-oif slide means to move into operative position'for contact with said control means only when said as sociated follower means moves to said second operative position and actuation means for simultaneously actuating each of said shut-off slide means so that if either follower means is in said second operative position that follower means will be moved to the inoperative position while leaving the other follower means in the first operative position, said actuating means including a universal bar which is spring loaded to the frame of said clock so as to maintain a static inoperative position in the absence of applied force, said shut-off means being iovably secured to said universal bar in proximity to an associated control slide means.

13. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising first and second manually settable means driven by said clock mechanism for activating said alarm mechanism at any selectively different times, first and second control means for individually manually deactivating said first and second manually settable means, respectively, and single shut-off lever means capable of actuating said first control means only when said first manually settable means is operative to activate said alarm mechanism and capable of actuating said second control means only when said second manually settable means is operative to actuate said alarm mechanism.

14. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising first and second manually settable means driven by said clock mechanism for activating said alarm mechanism at any selectively different times, first and second control means for individually manually deactivating said first and second manually settable means, respectively, and single shut-off lever means capable of actuating said first control means only when said first manually settable means is operative to activate said alarm mechanism and capable of actuating said second control means only when said second manually settable means is operative to activate said alarm mechanism, said single shutoff lever means having a single operative position for actuating both said first and said second control means, said first and second control means being manually actuable independently of said single shut-off lever means.

15. An alarm control system for a clock having a clock mechanism and an alarm mechanism which is capable of sounding at a plurality of preselected times comprising operating means driven by said clock mechanism including first and second elements capable of being individually manually positioned in relation to a standard position at which the alarm is to be sounded, each of said elements having an indicator portion indicating the time position thereof with regard to said standard position, detection means associated with each 3,192,699 13 14 of said elements and capable of sounding said alarm simultaneously actuating the shut-off means associated mechanism in response to detection of said indicator i h each control means. portion of a respective element, control means associated with each detection means capable of individually I References Cited by the Examiner deactivating said respective detection means, shut-off means associated with each control means and controlled UNITED STATES PATENTS by a respective detection means for effecting operation 1,928,040 9/33 Windesheim 5816 of a respective control means to deactivate a respective 2,554,809 5/51 Bourquin 58--21.11

detection means only when said detection means is effective to activate said alarm mechanism, and means for 10 LEO SMILOW, Primary Examiner. 

1. AN ALARM CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A CLOCK HAVING A CLOCK MECHANISM AND AN ALARM MECHANISM WHICH IS CAPABLE OF SOUNDING AT A PLURALITY OF PRESELECTED TIMES COMPRISING CAM MEANS MOUNTED FOR ROATATION BY SAID CLOCK MECHANISM INCLUDING FIRST AND SECOND CAMS CAPABLE OF BEING INDIVIDUALLY MANUALLY POSITIONED IN RELATION TO THE RESPECTIVE TIMES AT WHICH THE ALARM IS TO BE SOUNDED EACH OF SAID CAMS HAVING NOTCHED PORTION INDICATING THE TIME POSITION THEREOF WITH REGARD TO A STANDARD POSITION, FOLLOWER MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID CAMS AND CAPABLE OF SOUNDING SAID ALARM MECHANISM IN RESPONSE TO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE NOTCHED PORTION OF A RESPECTIVE CAM, CONTROL MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH FOLLOWER MEANS CAPABLE OF INDIVIDUALLY DEACTIVATING SAID RESPECTIVE FOLLOWER MEANS, SHUT-OFF MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH CONTROL MEANS AND CONTROLLED BY A RESPECTIVE FOLLOWER MEANS FOR EFFECTING OPERATION OF A RESPECTIVE CONTROL MEANS TO DEACTIVATE A RESPECTIVE FOLLOWER MEANS ONLY WHEN SAID FOLLOWER MEANS IS EFFECTIVE TO ACTIVATE SAID ALARM MECHANISM, AND MEANS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY ACTUATING THE SHUTOFF MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH CONTROL MEANS. 